NMPreps Week 11 New Mexico High School Preview & Predictions
Week 11 in New Mexico high school football brings us an exciting slate of games as teams fight for playoff positions and district titles.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
No. 1 La Cueva (9-0, 6-0 District 2-6A) vs No. 24 Albuquerque (4-5, 2-4 District 2-6A)
Preview: Albuquerque High made a surprising run early this season, surpassing expectations with a 4-1 start. However, the Bulldogs struggled down the stretch, losing their last four games and likely missing out on the playoffs. Despite this, they’ve shown growth under their current coaching staff. La Cueva, on the other hand, is the reigning state champion and remains undefeated. They’ve won their last two games by a combined score of 97-6 and are poised to close out the regular season with a perfect record.
Prediction: La Cueva 54, Albuquerque 7
Favorite: La Cueva -43.5 (O/U 61)
Grine: La Cueva
No. 23 West Mesa (4-5, 2-4 District 2-6A) vs Santa Fe (2-7, 0-6 District 2-6A)
Preview: West Mesa had a promising season but recently faltered with losses to Eldorado (28-6) and Sandia (41-7). The Mustangs are on the bubble for a playoff spot, and a convincing win here could secure their place. Santa Fe has nothing to lose and may be fighting for pride in light of recent challenges and a pending police investigation. They had close games earlier in October, nearly beating Atrisco Heritage and Eldorado, so an upset isn’t entirely off the table, perhaps a radar game with tehir backs against the wall, and nothing to lose.
Prediction: West Mesa 24, Santa Fe 12
Favorite: West Mesa -11.5 (O/U 30.5)
Grine: West Mesa
Miyamura (6-3, 5-1 District 1-5A) vs Los Alamos (6-3, 6-0 District 1-5A)
Preview: This game effectively serves as the District 1-5A Championship. Miyamura has turned things around under new leadership, now in contention for both a share of the district title and a playoff spot. Los Alamos, after an 0-3 start, has rallied for six straight wins. Quarterback Kyle Evenhus has been a standout for the Hilltoppers, and Miyamura’s Salid Rashid has equally impressed.
Prediction: Los Alamos 36, Miyamura 33
Favorite: Los Alamos -2.5 (O/U 66.5)
Grine: Los Alamos
St. Pius X (7-2, 5-0 District 2-4A) vs Manzano (5-4, 2-3 District 2-4A)
Preview: St. Pius X’s young offense has shone this season, racking up 328 points over nine games. Running back Hershul Olloway Jr., a sophomore, is one to watch, showcasing agility and skill in the backfield. Manzano was strong early in the season but has recently hit a three-game losing streak after a 5-1 start to the season. They’ll need to overcome this slump to have any shot at an upset.
Prediction: St. Pius X 38, Manzano 21
Favorite: St. Pius X -16.5 (O/U 55.5)
Grine: St. Pius X
Valley (3-6, 3-3 District 1-4A) vs Rio Grande (0-8, 0-6 District 1-5A)
Preview: Valley is eyeing a playoff spot, while Rio Grande is in rebuilding mode. This game is a must-win for Valley, which has shown flashes of solid play down the stretch.
Prediction: Valley 35, Rio Grande 6
Favorite: Valley -28.5 (O/U 42)
Grine: Valley
Pojoaque Valley (5-4, 0-3 District 2-3A) vs West Las Vegas (4-5, 1-2 District 2-3A)
Preview: Pojoaque Valley is fighting for a playoff spot, and a win here could improve their seeding. West Las Vegas is in the debate for a 4-6 seed and just where that will be could hinge on a convincing win here.
Prediction: West Las Vegas 28, Pojoaque Valley 20
Favorite: West Las Vegas, -7.5 (O/U 48)
Grine: Pojoaque Valley
Shiprock (1-7, 1-4 District 1-3A) vs Gallup (1-8, 1-4 District 1-3A)
Preview: With both teams out of the playoffs, this game offers a chance to finish the season on a positive note. Shiprock is coming off a big win, kudos to the athletes and coaches continuing to fight after a 0-7 start, and Gallup will be fighting to end on a win as well.
Prediction: Shiprock 22, Gallup 14
Favorite: Shiprock -4.5 (O/U 36)
Grine: Shiprock
Tohatchi (6-3, 4-1 District 1-3A) vs Zuni (2-7, 1-4 District 1-3A)
Preview: Tohatchi has clinched a playoff spot and wants to head into the postseason strong. Zuni, facing a tough season, will be looking for a strong finish at home.
Prediction: Tohatchi 34, Zuni 10
Favorite: Tohatchi -14.5 (O/U 44)
Grine: Tohatchi
